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Swish Window and Door Systems has announced that 75 Swish installers have become Excellence as Standard members. The programme, which launched at FIT 2017, aims to ‘drive and promote excellence’ at every level of member businesses. Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems’ marketing manager, said: “I’m delighted that so many Swish installers have already become Excellence as Standard members because it reflects the powerful value the programme delivers.”

According to Epwin, Excellence as Standard installations have already reached an installed value of around £25 million pro rata.

As members of EAS, installers receive benefits including qualified leads via the lead generation programme, EAS branded marketing materials plus bespoke options, discounted NVQ training courses at Levels 2 and 3, access to video training, webinars and events via the Excellence Academy.

Gerald concluded: “If you’re hungry to achieve, Swish offers everything you need in terms of products, service and support. What’s more, in Excellence as Standard it can give you a powerful market advantage, as over 75 installers are now seeing.”

The post More than 75 sign up to EAS appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Picture above: Andy Jones and Kevin Warner

Well-known industry figure Kevin Warner has joined Synseal Group to take a leading role in directing their national sales strategy.

Previously Head of Sales and Marketing at profine GmbH (Kömmerling), Kevin has 25+ years’ experience in the industry and joined the team at Synseal Group just before the Christmas break, reporting into Group Sales and Marketing Director Andy Jones.

Kevin Warner, Synseal’s new Sales Director, said:

“With the marketplace changing so dramatically in the UK and Ireland, Synseal Group has a great opportunity following its substantial growth to position itself as the industry’s leading UK manufacturer.”

“Synseal’s product offering is second to none with further investments in the pipeline to develop this wide range even further. I’m looking forward to working with our national sales team and alongside Andy to take Synseal Group to the next level.”

Andy Jones, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Synseal Group, added:

“Kevin’s industry experience will prove to be an invaluable asset to enhance our national sales activity at Synseal and I’m delighted he has chosen to join us at this exciting time.”

www.synseal.com

The door and window market is witnessing an increase in demand for bi-fold doors as hardware diversifies and becomes more accessible for all budgets and the trend for outdoor living grows. With this in mind, Yale has combined a range of door hardware to create a superior bi-fold door offering – including a new 28mm slim backset multi-point lock, a slim backplate door handle and a colour coded maximum security cylinder.

Brett Evans, Technical Director for Door Hardware at Yale, commented: “Currently, aluminium has a 67% market share over PVCu when it comes to bi-folds*. This is due to aluminium frames having slimmer sight lines, thereby allowing more light in, not detracting from the view and giving the feel that, even when the doors are closed, you’re still in the great outdoors.

“In response to customer requests for a Yale lock to fit into slim sightline profiles, we have developed a bi-fold offering that maintains a high level of security, whilst also complementing modern interior design trends.”

The new Yale Lockmaster 28mm backset multi-point lock fits into slim sightline profiles. It features a combination of hooks and anti-lift bolts for greater security, along with smooth operation, tolerance and ease of use, whilst continuing the Lockmaster story as part of the Lockmaster® range. Available in standard 16mm euro groove and u-channel variants to suit various aluminium systems. What’s more, all of the Lockmaster® range is manufactured in the UK and carries the Made in Britain marque.

The bi-fold door package from Yale includes the maximum security Platinum 3 Star cylinder, which is now available in a black finish to complement modern designs, along with a brand new handle that comes in a range of finishes including black, anthractice grey and brushed stainless.

Ideal for narrow door sets, the handle is manufactured from 304 Stainless Steel and has a 28mm wide backplate, incorporating a patented spring cassette which eliminates the drooping handle effect. Suited to 60mm and 70mm profiles, the handle has been corrosion tested to 480 hours and cycle tested to 50,000 cycles.

Paul Atkinson, Sales & Commercial Director for Yale adds: Bi-Folds are a premium aspirational purchase for most people and the fine detail around the lock, handle and cylinder are important aspects,  “We can now offer a high security bi-fold package that enhances the aesthetic appeal. This allows our installer and fabricator customers to promote a secure solution with a Yale guarantee that fits the slim style aluminium look that is popular today.”

Yale’s bi-fold solutions have been rigorously tested in the UK to deliver the highest levels of performance and can help assist fabricators in achieving PAS 24:2016 compliancy. Doors fitted with the hardware may also be protected by Yale’s ‘Lifetime Security Guarantee** which allows door fabricators and installers to take advantage of Yale’s reputation for excellence and offer additional confidence to prospective customers.

For further information on Yale’s bi-fold door hardware offering, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk, follow @YaleDWS on Twitter or call 01902 366800.

The team at Business Micros are celebrating after they were voted Digital Specialists of the Year in the National Fenestration Awards.

This was the first time the company had been nominated in these awards, so it was an even more impressive achievement to win first time.

The Digital Specialist category is open to any business in the industry which operates in the digital world and there was fierce competition from marketing and lead generation businesses as well as other specialist software providers.

Business Micros’ Managing Director Graeme Bailey said: “What makes these awards extra special is the fact that they are voted for by the industry itself. For us to win this award, our customers and colleagues had to make the effort to register and go online to vote, and it really does mean a lot to us that so many of them took the trouble to do that.

“Everyone here works exceptionally hard to deliver great service and it’s really rewarding to see that recognised and appreciated. We’re looking forward to the prize giving event now to meet all of the other winning companies and individuals and share our pride in the industry’s ongoing success.”

Further details at: www.businessmicros.co.uk

Picture above: Executive Team – Deborah Kemp, Mark Timmons, Andy Jones and Leigh Daveran

Synseal Group has announced the new role of Chief Operating Officer has be filled by Mark Timmons, who joins them with a breadth of experience across manufacturing and operations.

With previous roles including COO at Zotefoams, Global Operations Director at Tessenderlo (Gelatins) and Production Director at Eurocell, Mark is no stranger to driving operational change and improvements and will be working closely with CEO Deborah Kemp to streamline operations and logistics across the Synseal Group.

Mark said:  “It’s a very exciting time to join the business. I’ve known of Synseal Group for a number of years following my time with one of our competitors, and with a first class product range it has always been an attractive business to be part of.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the journey ahead of us now. Already a very strong business, but still with good opportunities to improve our performance, I’m relishing the challenge of driving positive change through our operations and improving our performance to ensure that we deliver on our promise of the best possible customer experience.”

CEO Deborah Kemp added:  “Mark joins us with a wealth of experience to support me and the broader team in the areas of supply chain, manufacturing and continuous improvement. We already have a strong team working in these areas, and Mark will bring more operational resource and experience to drive through some of our ambitious plans. We are delighted to have him on board.”

www.synseal.com

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Hearn as Head of Membership and Training.

Richard has an extensive background in professional membership bodies, focused on professional qualifications, accreditation and CPD (Continued Professional Development). He is specialist in developing and implementing membership and training strategies.

He joins from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) where, as Head of Member and Customer Development he transformed the membership focus over 3 years increasing both membership and revenues.

Richard has also worked for Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and for the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW). His commercial experience also includes terms at Ernst and Young and law firm Taylor Wessing developing customer value propositions. Richard has also consulted to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

On joining the GGF, Richard commented, “I am delighted to join the GGF at an exciting time of change and look forward to supporting Members and ensuring they get the best value from the Federation in terms of benefits. I am particularly looking forward to advancing the training side of the GGF. Firstly to ensure the Federation continues to be a focal point for best practice and also to raise awareness of the many career opportunities within the industry.”

www.MyGlazing.com  

Picture above: Steve Goble and Bernhard Hoetger

The Bystronic Hegla Preferred Partnership was awarded the Best Machinery Company Accolade in recognition of its innovative system solutions for the UK glass sector in the #NFA17 Independent Industry Awards.

Both Steve Goble and Steve Powell take great pride in celebrating the innovation, entrepreneurialism and technical excellence provided by both companies.

For both managing directors, the preferred partnership union brings together the best of both worlds with innovation and customer services kept as priorities. With the awards requiring both nomination and voting for by peers in the industry, Steve Goble believes that there is evidently great belief in the products and the customer support.

With the National Fenestration Awards being industry led, for Steve Goble this has reflected the reputation of the company in a fair and open way. He comments, “As awards go, this is the one you want to win. It exemplifies the high standards set by HEGLA and the 15 years of self-motivation and hard dedication given by the UK team, which have been acknowledged by the industry as a whole. That makes us all very proud indeed.”

Steve Powell comments, “To win this award this year is cherry on the cake following such a positive year. It’s encouraging and rewarding to see that our diligence in this field has been recognised by the industry in general.”

The broad range of HEGLA modern automatic cutting, sorting and storage systems working alongside the Bystronic range of IG line solutions helps to increase customers efficiency and output. Working together with key decision makers the teams are recognised for carefully evaluating business plans in order to streamline production methods.

The pedigree of both the Helga and Bystronic brands is well recognised both nationally and internationally with those making investments in state-of-the-art machinery.

Working in tandem with the Bystronic Glass UK team which provides service support on all

products from the Bystronic/Hegla range, ensures that customers’ production methods are as efficient as possible before installing new equipment. For both companies the NFA Machinery Company of the Year Award reflects the success of that partnership.

For Bernhard Hoetger Managing Director HEGLA GmbH, the win has been a morale booster for everyone and he believes this to be great recognition for the UK teams. He comments, “In a tough market this is an excellent achievement. No doubt the UK success story can be attributed not just to the technology, but also the drive and commitment of the team. It is a great job well done!”

For more information on the HEGLA or Bystronic product portfolio or to arrange an appointment to discuss requirements please call 01908 261933 or 01952 677971 regarding service requirements.

Over recent months trade fabricator Modplan Ltd has reported a rise in sales of their LEKA roof systems as more installers capitalise on the benefits that feature-rich orangery roofs and solid-roof conservatory solutions can add to their business. This trend is showing little signs of decline as witnessed during the run up to Christmas when 5 LEKA roofs were installed on 5 conservatories over 5 consecutive days by one company!

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Modplan explains: “When we launched the LEKA roof products we knew they were a game changer in conservatory roof design. With a choice of solid-roof or orangery roof styles, there is a product for every installation. But feedback from our customers tells us that one of the standout benefits is the speed and accuracy of roof installation. Typically, a team can fit a LEKA roof in just one day. And with 5 LEKA roofs being fitted on 5 conservatories in 5 consecutive days this is proof, if needed, of just how quick these roofs can be installed.”

The impressive credentials of the LEKA roofs are backed up with Modplan’s trademark customer service. Installer partners are given full training, marketing support and sales software so they can become a LEKA Approved Installer and have everything they need to start making the most of what the roof has to offer. The products have achieved jhai Building Control accreditation so paperwork is kept to a minimum too.

Like all Modplan’s products, the LEKA roofs are manufactured in their dedicated conservatory roof facilities at its headquarters near Newport, Gwent. Modplan’s roofing portfolio is backed up with exceptional sales, marketing and service support to enable installers to make the most of the opportunities in the market.

When time is money it makes good sense to work with a roofing product that is simple and quick to install. And in LEKA roofs from Modplan, that’s exactly what you get.

www.modplan.co.uk

Aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural have been chosen to supply and install glazing and curtain walling for the upgrade and refurbishment of Ainsdale train station in Southport.

Working with main contractor Morgan Sindall, Bennetts will provide and install Kawneer AA100 curtain walling systems as well as Pilkington Planar bolted glazing.

The £2.5m investment in the Merseyrail station comes from the Government’s National Stations Improvement Programme and Network Rail.

Additional features for the new station include a passenger waiting area with WiFi, improved information screens, increased seating and new waiting shelters.

Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented, “We’re delighted to support the transformation of Ainsdale Station and provide our wealth of experience.

“The improved facility will greatly benefit users of the station.”

Liverpool based Owen Ellis Architects will provide designs for Ainsdale Station.

To find out more about Bennett Architectural Aluminium please visit www.baasl.co.uk or call 01782 566512.